NBC 2005, Article 3.4.5.1., Exit Signage, and Subsection 9.9.10., Signage.
The CCMC interprets this section regarding photoluminescent exit signs as follows:
1. Purpose of Evaluation
"Photoluminescent Exit Signs" can serve as exit signs and exit direction signs to indicate the direction of egress in public corridors and passageways in compliance with the intent of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) 1995.
2. Opinion
Subject to the limitations and conditions stated in this report, test results and assessments provided by the proponent show that "Photoluminescent Exit Signs complies with CCMC's Technical Guide for "Photoluminescent Exit Signs", MasterFormat number 16535, dated 2005-07-06, and provides a level of performance equivalent to that required with respect to health and safety in:
- NBC 1995, Article 3.4.5.1., Exit Signage, and Subsection 9.9.10., Signage.
Ruling No. 06-12-156 (13220-R) authorizing the use of this product in Ontario, subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Ruling, was made by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on 29 May, 2007 pursuant to s.29 of the Building Code Act, 1992 (see Ruling for terms and conditions). Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation permits the use of this product in construction financed or insured under the National Housing Act.
3. Description
"Photoluminescent Exit Signs are available in various types of framed designs or without a frame. The exit signs have a photoluminescent panel consisting of a rigid sheet blended with strontium oxide aluminite photoluminescent pigment that emits light through the absorption of at least 54 lx of ambient illumination.
The exit signs consist of red opaque letters that are silk-screened on the photoluminescent background panel spelling the word "Exit" or "Sortie" with optional red opaque directional indicators. The frame consists of an aluminum rail around the perimeter of the photoluminescent panel. Exit signs are available as single- or double-sided and may be ceiling mounted, or surface or flag wall mounted. The frames and the photoluminescent panel (frameless) are provided with holes for mechanical mounting.
4. Usage and Limitations
The use of "Photoluminescent Exit Signs is permitted in buildings under the provisions of Subsections 3.4.5. and 9.9.10. of the NBC 1995, subject to the following conditions:
- The photoluminescent exit sign shall bear the UL/ULC certification mark.
- The exit sign must consist of red letters on a contrasting background that is white or a light tint.
- The letters must be 150 mm high and have a 19 mm stroke.
- The exit sign must have the word EXIT or SORTIE.
- The exit sign must be illuminated by an exterior source of energy which, if provided by an electrical circuit, that circuit shall be connected to an emergency power supply and serve no other equipment other than emergency equipment.
- The direction of egress in public corridors and passageways shall be indicated by arrow or pointer.
- The exit signs are to be installed indoors only, and they may not be exposed to direct sunlight, liquid spray or temperatures outside the range of 10C to 40C.
- Exit signs with the word EXIT must have the following visible marking on their exterior surface:
"CAUTION: minimum 54 lux (5 footcandle) of external unfiltered fluorescent, mercury vapour or metal halide illumination must be present on the sign face(s) at all times while the building is occupied."
Exit signs with the word SORTIE must have the following inscription:
"ATTENTION: un éclairage à lampe fluorescente sans filtre, à lampe à vapeur de mercure ou à lampe aux halogénures d'une intensité minimale de 54 lux (5 pieds-candelas) de la face du panneau de signalisation doit être assuré en tout temps lorsque des occupants sont présents dans le bâtiment."
New York City Local Law 26 Compliance
Read information and details on individual Ecoglo® product compliance or information on the New York Compliance References at NYC Dept of Buldings MEA Report.
Code Compliance for Public Facilities
Recognising that facility managers are seeking alternatives to electrical path finding, the International Conference of Building Officials Evaluation Service (ICBO ES) began investigating photoluminescence (PL) late in 2000 to assess whether it could be as effective as electrical path finding systems.
The evaluation service found that under certain conditions, PL was equivalent to its electrical counterpart. The Uniform Building Code requires emergency lighting to operate for 90 minutes at a constant level of 1 foot/candle (10.76 lux). Pathfinding illumination in a public assembly facility is required to operate at 0.2 foot/candle (just over 2 lux).
The service has shown equivalence for photoluminescent pathfinding system illumination for aisles, cross-aisles and vomitories/exits during performances in auditoriums, theaters, concert or opera halls, stadiums and similar facilities.
The approval test requires that a sample be charged by a light source representative of that in the proposed venue, measured after 10 minutes and 140 minutes.
A formula is given to show the conditions under which the photoluminescent system will be accepted as complying with the Universal Building Code. There are also requirements for salt spray, weather exposure (both tests required for out of doors facilities), washability, and slip resistance.
That means that facility managers now have a guideline of quality that they can use to ensure PL options meet or exceed the performance of electrical path-finding systems.
The building code equivalence decision helps facility managers to find their way in the information darkness. Like patrons anxious to find their seat with ease, facility managers now have better guidance in their path-finding decision-making process. And the options look as pleasing to the eye as they are to the balance sheet.
In April 2002 the ICBO Evaluation Service issued the report ER-5785, showing the Ecoglo product working to the acceptance criteria defined in the AC-169 report that was issued in 2000.
You can download the ICBO Acceptance Criteria Document AC-169 [ 22 kb ]